Translation and Interpreting Research

This study aims to examine the representation of the Iranian Self in Persian movies through English fansubtitles, exploring how the subtitling process shapes the socio-cultural image presented to non-Iranian audiences. To this end, eleven award-winning Persian films produced by prominent Iranian filmmakers Asghar Farhadi, Majid Majidi, and Abbas Kiarostami and their English subtitles were analyzed using an integrated framework specifically developed for this research. Image-representative elements in the films were identified according to the framework, and the translation strategies employed in the English subtitles for rendering these image-representative elements were examined. The effects of these strategies on the representation of the image were then categorized into five observed outcomes: intensification of the image, weakening of the image, positive recasting of the image, preservation of the image, and omission of the image. The findings indicate that universally recognized elements were generally preserved in fansubs, while elements associated with Iranian religious or legal contexts were more frequently omitted or weakened, potentially diminishing the representation of these culturally distinct aspects for non-Iranian audience. This study highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and accuracy in audiovisual translation, offering valuable insights for fostering cross-cultural understanding and enhancing the portrayal of cultural identity in translated media.

In the aftermath of conflict, the role of translation extends into the realm of conflict resolution. This study examines how translation prefaces address conflict resolution in the context of post-revolutionary Iran following the Iran-Iraq War, focusing on the resolution strategies employed. To achieve this, criterion sampling was used to select three English books on the Iran-Iraq War, originally written from Iraqi or Other perspectives and translated into Persian by Marz-o-Boom Publications. Data were collected from the prefaces of these translations, emphasizing their treatment of the war and the contentious themes in the source texts. Using Salama-Carr’s (2007) and Webne Behrman’s (1998) definitions of conflict, conflict cases were identified and categorized based on Thomas and Kilmann’s (1974) conflict resolution model. The findings indicate that the competing strategy was predominantly employed (44.4%–54.6%), reflecting strong assertiveness in promoting Iranian state perspectives. The compromising strategy was used to a moderate extent (18.6%–34.4%), indicating some engagement in negotiation, while the collaborating strategy ranged from 18.1% to 33.4%, reflecting fluctuating openness to diverse viewpoints. The accommodating strategy appeared only once (2.3%), highlighting a reluctance to embrace alternative perspectives, while the avoiding strategy was entirely absent, suggesting a deliberate effort to confront the complexities of the conflict. Overall, the findings reveal a pattern of using collaboration within a competitive framework as a nuanced approach to conflict resolution in sensitive translation contexts. This strategy demonstrates a strong commitment to constructive dialogue, enriches the discourse on the conflict, and enhances readers’ understanding of its multifaceted nature.

Given the importance of consecutive interpreting as a key mode of communication, various factors influencing its effectiveness must be examined to enhance overall performance. This study explored the relationship between working memory (working memory), interpreting delivery rate, and the number of pauses. To achieve this, two working memory tests and a consecutive interpreting task were administered to 30 MA translation students. The analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between one working memory measure (reading span) and interpreting delivery rate. However, no significant relationship was found between working memory and the number of silent or filled pauses in the interpreting output. Additionally, working memory was identified as a predictor of interpreting delivery rate. These findings suggest that while working memory may be associated with certain variables, such as delivery rate, it may not be linked to others, such as the number of pauses in consecutive interpreting.

The translation of Islamic religious terms is of critical importance, as these terms play a vital role in conveying Islamic concepts. Errors in translating such sensitive content may lead to distortions in meaning. This study investigates the strategies employed by three distinct groups of translators when rendering Islamic religious texts for non-Muslim audiences: 1) experienced translators with seminary knowledge, 2) experienced translators without seminary knowledge, and 3) inexperienced translators. Employing a descriptive research design, data were collected through a task-based method and a questionnaire. Participants were asked to translate ten Persian sentences containing key religious terms into English. The translated outputs were analyzed using Larson’s (1984) classification for translating non-equivalent terms. Statistical evaluation, including Mean, ANOVA, and LSD tests, was conducted to assess the findings. The results indicate that experienced translators with seminary knowledge predominantly utilized loanwords with explanatory additions. Furthermore, a significant difference was observed between this group and the other two in terms of translation strategies.

This study explores the complexities and variations in translating Mohsin Hamid’s novels – Exit West , The Reluctant Fundamentalist , and How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia – from English into Persian within a hybridized space. Using Mollanazar and Parham’s (2009) analytical framework, the research examines the attributes of hybrid texts in translations by Hossein Hassani, Maryam Ahmadi, and Ahmad Al-Ahmad. Through micro- and macro-level analysis, the study addresses key questions: How do translations adhering to Mollanazar and Parham’s model (2009) reflect the first level of hybridity? Are the findings consistent with existing hybrid perspectives in translation studies? The results indicate that contemporary translations, influenced by factors such as censorship and cultural invasion, alter the narrative’s interpretation. This conclusion contributes to translation studies by highlighting the challenges of translating hybrid texts and their broader implications.

Audio description (AD) is a key tool for improving audiovisual accessibility, originally developed to support the blind and partially sighted community. However, its benefits extend far beyond its initial target audience, with users now including individuals with cognitive disabilities, older adults, language learners, and even sighted individuals in specific contexts. This article analyzes the inclusive potential of AD, tracing the historical evolution of AD from its initial beginnings in the 1980s to the current day as a recognized form of audiovisual translation. AD translates visual information into verbal description, enabling BPS audiences to access visual media on an equal basis as sighted viewers. Apart from accessibility, AD has increasingly been appreciated as a pedagogical tool to facilitate language learning, listening skills, and vocabulary acquisition. AD is also advantageous for individuals with cognitive disabilities since it provides clear, concise descriptions of visual objects, helping to focus attention and reduce cognitive overload. It can also improve the experience for sighted users where visual access is limited, such as while driving or multitasking. This study invites further investigation of the broader applications of AD, encouraging its use in different environments, including education, virtual reality, and interactive narratives. Seen in this light, the current study highlights AD’s potential to facilitate inclusivity and accessibility across society, for a wide variety of users beyond its current target ones.